Peak business body sets the agenda for economic legacy from the Olympics

By Gabi Paterson

Queensland’s peak business body has set the roadmap for the state’s business community to build an enduring economic legacy in the lead up to, and beyond, the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Business Chamber Queensland’s Queensland Beyond 2032 business outlook is leading the discussion on key priorities for government, industry and the community to take advantage of social and economic opportunities presented by the Games. 

The outlook’s findings draw on the Chamber’s business insights, data and consultations across all regions of Queensland, along with global perspectives gathered through forums such as the World Chambers Congress (Geneva, 2023) and the Commonwealth Business Forum as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM, Samoa 2024). 

Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper says the Queensland Beyond 2032 business outlook is a rallying call for government, industry, business and sport to work together to position our state and our businesses, to take advantage of one of the greatest opportunities of our generation. 

“It is essential Queensland takes this major event and uses it as a catalyst to transform the state and deliver long-term economic benefits for the entire community,” Ms Cooper said. 

“Through strategic planning and collective action, we can use the Games as a springboard for a new era of business, focusing on growth, innovation, sustainability, and creating enduring opportunities for Queenslanders across every sector. 

“For Queensland’s business community, it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine and refashion our state as a contemporary and competitive global player. 

“At Business Chamber Queensland, we are supporting businesses to get ready to take up this great opportunity. Through building capability, promoting sustainability, creating frameworks for partnerships, and working with stakeholders at every level to have local participation – we are ensuring all of Queensland shares in the benefits of the Games.” 

At the Chamber’s Business Matters event this month, discussion focused on how partnerships – between government, industry, business and sports – can enable businesses of all sizes and across all regions to take part in Games opportunities and the growth we will see in our state. 

Joining the panel on the day, Olympic gold medallist and Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM, said Brisbane 2032 was an opportunity to elevate the socioeconomic landscape in Queensland for future generations – an opportunity to be seen as a springboard, not the finish line.

“The global environment is constantly amazed about how much this little country can do and the power we have,” he said.  

“If we can focus that, we will achieve things we couldn’t have imagined.”  

Also on the panel, Urbis Director Kate Meyrick said there was strong potential for local businesses to participate in the supply chain requirements for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and building business capability and capacity to do so must be a priority.  

“I don’t think we can imagine what it’s going to feel like to be an Olympic and Paralympic host city,” Ms Meyrick said.  

“It presents an amazing opportunity, and business needs to get on board to deliver great early impact and a lasting legacy.” 

Queensland Beyond 2032 sets out Business Chamber Queensland’s economic vision for the Games legacy centered around four pillars: extending the economic horizon in local and global markets, capturing the benefits of digital and innovation, growing the future workforce and advancing business sustainability. 

“We’re hearing from businesses the recent change of government in Queensland comes with increased certainty and a lift in economic confidence.  We now want to focus that optimism on the future of this state in the lead up to 2032 and beyond,” Ms Cooper said.  

“It will take a unified approach to seize this rare opportunity, for government to work with business, industry and regions, for established business leaders to uplift smaller players, and for a well-defined framework to be put in place to measure success and economic benefit. 

“What we want after the Olympics is a state that is thriving, sustainable, inclusive and economically flourishing.  

“We also look forward to a world-leading city that looks to the future with excitement and asks – what can we do next? 

“We’ll continue to work towards achieving that vision for Queensland.” 

Businesses across the state are already working to position themselves for upcoming Games opportunities and the growth we will see in the state. 

Leading turf construction, maintenance and renovation business, Global Turf, based in one of Queensland’s leading global tourism hubs, the Sunshine Coast, is growing and diversifying their workforce to improve competitiveness for participation in the Olympics supply chain. 

Business Administrator, Kelly Watson said the business was expected to grow significantly in the future and was well placed to capitalise on a renewed focus on community sports and sports field demand in the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“Being in the sports field arena, we’re well placed to tap into the great opportunity that is the Olympics,” Ms Watson said.  

“One of our biggest assets in that growth is the team. Our team is what delivers the product, and a good team means we can deliver a great outcome. 

“We’re investigating what’s needed for us to be competitive not just tick a box. 

“I expect strong workforce values will make us more competitive.”

Download the Queensland Beyond 2032 business outlook.